Category Archives: News

KIIT World School Students Shine in Haryana Games, Win Multiple Awards

Gurugram: Students of KIIT World School have made the school proud by winning various awards in the prestigious Haryana Games. The students showcased their exceptional talent and dedication to sports at the block-level competitions.

KIIT World School students demonstrated their athletic prowess by winning positions in the 800m race, throwball, volleyball, and yoga events. Additionally, Deepak from grade 12 and Saurabh from grade 10 have been selected to advance to the district-level volleyball competition. Saksham from grade 9 and Umang from grade 10 represented the school at the district-level cricket tournament, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship on a larger stage.

The under-19 girls’ volleyball team secured first place at the block level, while the under-14 girls’ throwball team achieved second place. The 800m race saw a first-place win, and the under-19 boys’ volleyball team earned third place at the block level. Commenting on these achievements, Principal Neelima Kamrah said, “Our students have achieved these accolades through hard work and perseverance. We congratulate them on their success and wish them a bright future. We are confident that they will also continue to excel in the future.”

KIIT World School congratulates all the winners on their remarkable performances and appreciates their dedication to sports. We look forward to seeing our students continue to make us proud with their athletic talents in future events.

Federal Bank first Indian Bank to launch India’s Pioneering Facial Payment System SmilePay

Chennai, August 30, 2024: Federal Bank, India’s leading private sector Bank, is proud to announce the launch of SmilePayTM, this groundbreaking technology will allow customers to complete transactions using only their face. This revolutionary product, unveiled as we enter India’s 78th year post Independence, marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards financial freedom and convenience. The launch of SmilePayTM happened at the Global Fintech Fest by Ms Shalini Warrier, Executive Director, Federal Bank.

 Introducing SmilePay™: Pioneering a New Era of Facial Athentication Payments
Two of India’s largest corporate houses, Reliance Retail and Ananya Birla helmed Svatantra Micro Housing (SMHFC), are among the first to pilot this innovative technology with their customers at select outlets / branches.

 SmilePay™ is the first-of-its-kind payment solution in India, utilizing advanced facial authentication technology built on the UIDAI’s Bhim Aadhaar Pay. This revolutionary product eliminates the need for traditional payment methods, offering unmatched convenience for customers and enhanced efficiency for merchants.

 “SmilePayTM is not just a product; it’s a step towards a more connected and efficient financial ecosystem,” said Shalini Warrier, Executive Director at Federal Bank. “We’re excited to see how this technology will transform the banking experience for our customers.”

 “The concept of moving from cash to cards to QR codes to wearables, and now just a smile to pay, is an exciting Customer Experience in the making.” added Indraneel Pandit, CDO, Federal Bank

  Speaking on the introduction of the payment system at select Reliance Retail outlets, V Subramaniam, Director, Reliance Retail said, “At Reliance Retail, we are committed to integrating cutting-edge technology that enhances the customer experience. SmilePay™ aligns perfectly with our vision of offering seamless, secure, and innovative solutions to our customers by making the customer journey more intuitive and convenient.”

 “Aligned with Ms. Ananya Birla’s vision, Svatantra Micro Housing (SMHFC) helps create intergenerational equity, by facilitating home-asset acquisition. With a focus on customer-centricity, SMHFC is devoted to providing affordable, convenient, secure, and seamless solutions for our customers. We are happy to partner with Federal Bank and confident that the solutions provided by SmilePayTM represent a truly innovative step in this direction.” Said Mr. Vineet Chattree, Director, SMHFC

Key Features and Benefits of SmilePay™:
Unmatched Convenience: Customers can complete transactions without the need to carry cash, cards, or mobile devices.
Enhanced Merchant Efficiency: Facilitates effective crowd management and seamless transaction processing at counters.
Robust Security: Powered by the secure UIDAI face authentication service, ensuring safe and reliable transactions.
User-Friendly: A simple, intuitive interface requiring only a facial scan to complete a purchase.

build3 secures INR 3 Cr grant from the Indian government to help build impact startups

Goa, 30th August, 2024: build3, the go-to ecosystem to build impact startups (startups which are for profit AND purpose), has announced today that it has been selected as an incubator under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme at the 56th Expert Advisory Committee meeting. The firm has also received approval from the Experts Advisory Committee (EAC), with a total commitment of INR 3 Crore grant from the Government of India. This development marks a significant milestone for build3 as it embarks on further strengthening the early-stage impact startup ecosystem in the country, supporting founders who build towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme has been designed to provide financial support to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization. The evaluation process for selecting build3 as an incubator under the scheme included several parameters, including the quality of the team, prior track record, capital investments, investments from external sources, infrastructure, performance of incubated startups and others. As a government-recognised incubator, build3 is eligible to disburse funds to impact founders to help them develop their product and enter the market.

Mr. Varun Chawla, Co-Founder of build3, expressed his excitement , saying, “The support of the government is a testament to build3’s vision of supporting founders that build startups that make the world a better place. The benefits of capitalism lie in its thrust on innovation and creativity; the incentive to create new products that channel human ingenuity and passion. build3 aims to act as a canvas where capitalism and wholeness intersect to create products that truly benefit humanity. We are glad to partner with the government to help achieve this vision.”

Selection as an incubator under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme comes only days after build3 was awarded the 2024 Flourish Prize from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University as an agent of change. As a recognised incubator, the Goa-based firm will now look forward to its third cohort of the Impact Accelerator to help build the next wave of impact startups. As per the regulations of the scheme, build3 will shortlist eligible startups considering scheme guidelines that have been operationalised from April 1, 2021.

A certified B Corp organisation, build3 helps build startups through its offering of capability, community and capital. It also extends additional help by raising additional funds from external sources for selected startups. Along with Varun Chawla, Girish Sampath and Anjali Nair have been instrumental in securing the Startup India Seed Fund grant for build3. The firm aims to help 100,000 impact founders build startups that benefit the mind, body, and earth (building towards UN SDGs).

After PV Sindhu, MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria Joins Greenday’s ‘Better Nutrition’ as Investor and Culinary Advisor

Mumbai, India – August 30, 2024: Ahead of National Nutrition Week, Greenday is thrilled to announce that MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria has joined the ‘Better Nutrition’ brand as both an investor and culinary advisor, further strengthening the company’s commitment to revolutionizing nutrition in India. This exciting development comes on the heels of PV Sindhu’s recent endorsement and investment in the brand.

Pankaj Bhadouria, a renowned culinary expert and India’s 1st MasterChef, brings her vast experience and passion for healthy cooking to Greenday. As the new product development lead, Pankaj will be instrumental in creating innovative biofortified food products that cater to the health-conscious consumer.

Pankaj Bhadouria’s endorsement and investment with Greenday crystallized after she experienced the company’s product firsthand. Realizing that this venture aligned perfectly with her passion for mindfully blending nourishment with flavour, Pankaj felt a profound connection. This sense of shared roots brought her directly to the fields and farmers, inspiring her to become a part of the ‘Better Nutrition’ brand.

Pankaj Bhadouria stated, “I am excited to partner with Greenday and its brand ‘Better Nutrition’. This collaboration aligns perfectly with my passion for promoting healthy eating habits. Together, we aim to develop products that not only enhance nutrition but also delight the palate.”

Greenday’s mission to combat micronutrient deficiencies through biofortification is further bolstered by this partnership. The company’s robust supply chain, featuring 80 plus agri-input stores and strong farmer connections, ensures a steady supply of high-quality biofortified crops. The omnichannel vision of Greenday integrates both online and offline platforms to provide a seamless consumer experience, making biofortified products more accessible to a broader audience.

Prateek Rastogi, Founder and CEO of Greenday, expressed his enthusiasm, “Having MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria on board is a significant milestone for Greenday. Her culinary expertise and commitment to healthy living will be invaluable as we continue to develop and promote our range of biofortified products. Alongside PV Sindhu, Pankaj’s involvement will help us reach new heights in our mission to enhance the nutritional quality of food in India.”

PV Sindhu also welcomed Pankaj, saying, “It’s wonderful to see such talented and passionate individuals joining our mission. With Pankaj’s expertise in healthy cooking and my focus on sports nutrition, we are well-equipped to make a significant impact on health and nutrition in India.”

Greenday continues to lead the charge in creating a traceable supply chain for biofortified foods, addressing critical issues in the agricultural value chain, and setting a high standard in the agritech sector.

Canadian Wood hosts an engaging seminar for wood manufacturing industry in Jodhpur

30th August 2024, Jodhpur: The British Columbia (B.C.) provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII India), popularly known as Canadian Wood, successfully conducted a seminar titled “Canadian Wood – A Sustainable Solution” at Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur. The event brought together manufacturer from woodworking industry and furniture buying houses members for an in-depth exploration of the benefits and applications of sustainably sourced Canadian wood species.

The seminar featured insightful presentations from Canadian Wood’s expert team, including Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director, Dr. Jimmy Thomas, Assistant Director – Technical Services; and Mr. Rambeer Singh Yadav, Assistant Director – Business Development. These experts delved into the versatility, sustainability, certification and environmental advantages of Canadian wood species, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of the raw material’s potential in various manufacturing and woodworking contexts.

Mr. Pranesh Chhibber opened the seminar with a keynote address that emphasized the significance of sustainable wood practices and its standard certifications which reaffirms Canadian Wood’s commitment on promoting eco-friendly solutions in the wood product manufacturing industries. Dr. Jimmy Thomas followed with a detailed discussion on the technical and environmental benefits of using certified wood species, while Mr. Rambeer Singh Yadav presented case studies and showcased pictures as examples that demonstrated the adaptability of Canadian Wood species in diverse applications.

Sharing his experience, Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood shared, “Jodhpur is a key market for Canadian Wood, with the largest concentration of manufacturers residing in a single city. We’ve been actively engaging with the leading players here, and the potential is immense. The market is evolving as awareness of newer materials, including softwood, is on the rise. Jodhpur presents a tremendous opportunity for Canadian Wood. The experience of holding the seminar here has been remarkable, with an audience that is both knowledgeable and experienced. They ask the right questions, and it’s been a pleasure collaborating with such a dynamic group of professionals.”

Attendees engaged actively in the seminar, participating in interactive Q&A sessions and networking opportunities that facilitated the exchange of ideas and potential collaborations. The event underscored the importance of using certified, sustainably sourced wood, showcasing Canadian Wood as a leader in providing eco-friendly materials for the Indian woodworking Industry.

Canadian Wood promotes five major wood species in India—Douglas-fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF)—all sourced from the sustainably managed forests of British Columbia, Canada. These species are recommended for a wide range of applications and are available in 17 cities across India through a robust network of over 29 stockists.

This seminar in Jodhpur is part of Canadian Wood’s ongoing efforts to advocate for sustainable wood solutions across India, building on the success of similar events held nationwide.

13th Edition of JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon – India’s third largest half marathon is back with a bang

Pune(S.N)– With a record-breaking total of 8000+ participant registrations, the 13th edition of the highly anticipated JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon (SHHM) organized by Satara Runners Foundation, a non-profit organization, is all set to bring together running enthusiasts from across the country on September 1st, 2024. The theme for this year’s marathon is “Aham Yoddhāsmi!” or “I am a Fighter”. This theme serves as a powerful reminder that each person possesses an indomitable spirit, a warrior capable of surmounting any challenge. The Sanskrit phrase is a rallying cry that inspires participants to confront adversity head-on, to push past their limits, and to emerge triumphant, not just at the finish line, but in the battles of life that lie ahead.

Dr Sandeep Kate, Founder of Satara Runners Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “As we embark on the 13th edition of the JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon, I am reminded that every step taken on these challenging hills is a testament to our inner warrior. ‘Aham Yoddhāsmi!’ isn’t just a theme; it’s a call for every participant to unleash their resilience and embrace the journey ahead. Together, we will not only conquer the mountain but also inspire each other to rise above life’s adversities.”

Gaurav Jajodia, Director of Jai Balaji Group, the title sponsor, highlighted the importance of embodying the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage, “At Jai Balaji Group, we believe in the power of community and the strength that comes from shared challenges. Supporting the JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon is about more than just sponsorship; it’s about igniting the fire within each runner. This year, as we witness the incredible spirit of the participants, we are not just cheering for the finishers; we are celebrating every individual who dares to push their limits and redefine what it means to be a fighter.”

Organized by the Satara Runners Foundation since 2012, the JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon holds the Guinness World Record for the “Most People in a Single Mountain Run,” solidifying its status as India’s third-largest half marathon, following the Tata Mumbai Marathon and the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. In the past, the event has featured many renowned personalities like IG Krishna Prakash, Vishwas Nangre Patil and boasts the second-highest number of female participants among marathons in the country. Notable figures such as IG Krishna Prakash, Sushant Dash, CEO, Starbucks India will also join this year’s adventurous run, enhancing the event’s prestige and community spirit.

The upcoming JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon will feature an “Out and Back” course starting from the Satara Police Parade Ground, running from 6:30 am to 10:30 am. Committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, the event will be well-equipped with a range of medical support, including 8 to 9 cardiac ambulances and 9 to 10 bike ambulances strategically positioned along the course. Additionally, there will be 14 aid stations stocked with first aid kits to address any immediate needs. To help runners cool down and recover, the marathon will feature 3 dedicated cool zones offering ice baths and 9 cheer zones will be set up along the route to uplift and motivate participants, creating an encouraging atmosphere.

The funds raised through SHHM will be channeled towards enhancing the participant experience, including a 16-week training program organized by the pacers via offline and online sessions. They will also be used for India’s First Marathon Museum, dedicated to Runners & Running Events all over India. Moreover, the event contributes to the community by establishing open gyms and street workout stations in Satara, fostering a culture of fitness and well-being.

Papon Visits Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi During Pune Show

Pune, August, 2024– Renowned Indian playback singer and music composer Papon recently visited Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi during his tour in Pune. The hotel had the privilege of hosting the acclaimed artist, making his stay memorable with an exquisite blend of traditional and contemporary hospitality.

 Upon his arrival, Papon was greeted with a vibrant Bihu dance performance, a traditional Assamese dance, followed by an Aarti Tilak ceremony. The warm and culturally rich welcome left a lasting impression on the artist, who expressed his appreciation for the hotel’s thoughtful gesture.

 Papon lauded the hospitality and service at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi, stating, “The warm welcome and the attention to detail made my stay truly special. The Bihu dance was a beautiful touch that made me feel right at home.”

 Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi is quickly becoming the preferred choice for celebrities and prominent personalities visiting the area. The hotel’s commitment to providing personalized and luxurious experiences continues to set it apart as a top destination for high-profile guests.

 “We are honored to have hosted Papon and to have provided him with an experience that resonated with his cultural roots,”. “Our team strives to create memorable experiences for all our guests, and we are thrilled to be recognized as a preferred location for celebrities visiting Hinjawadi.”

PhonePe Payment Gateway Launches PhonePe PG Bolt to Revolutionize In-App Payments for Merchants

Bengaluru 30th Aug , 2024 – PhonePe Payment Gateway, today announced the launch of PhonePe PG Bolt, a groundbreaking solution that empowers merchants by offering the fastest in-app payment experience to customers with 99% success rate. PhonePe PG Bolt offers a 1- second transaction time with the widest reach for registered PhonePe merchants and users who can integrate their payments across apps without multiple onboarding.

PhonePe PG Bolt offers a multitude of benefits that set it apart from other payment solutions in the market. With a focus on speed, convenience, and reliability, PhonePe PG Bolt delivers a 10x faster payment experience with UPI Lite, Wallets, EGVs, through a one click, PIN-less process. Unlike other solutions that require multiple steps and phone permissions, PhonePe PG Bolt eliminates these hurdles, ensuring enhanced customer experience and efficient payment journey which leads to increased conversion rates and drive business growth.

By providing complete control over the customer’s payment experience within the merchant app, PhonePe PG Bolt eliminates the need for redirection to external payment platforms. Merchants can offer a wide range of payment options, including UPI Lite, UPI-linked bank accounts, electronic gift cards, Rupay credit cards, and wallets, to cater to diverse customer preferences. This comprehensive suite of payment options, coupled with PhonePe’s extensive user base helps position merchants for success.

PhonePe PG Bolt addresses key challenges faced by merchants, especially Enterprises, by reducing transaction failures, eliminating payment funnel drop-offs, and minimizing cart abandonment. By integrating the PhonePe PG Bolt, merchants can significantly improve customer satisfaction, increase sales, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

“We are excited to launch PhonePe PG Bolt as it represents a significant milestone in our mission to empower businesses and enhance the overall payment experience for consumers,” said Ankit Gaur, Head PhonePe Payment Gateway & Online Merchants. “By providing merchants with the tools to create a seamless and secure payment environment, we are confident that PhonePe PG Bolt will drive substantial growth and success for businesses of all sizes.”

By partnering with multiple leading banks, PhonePe PG Bolt ensures robust payment processing capabilities due to reduced transaction failures.

India’s leading beauty and lifestyle retailer, Nykaa is among the early adopters of the new solution. “PhonePe PG Bolt offers a seamless, one-click payment solution that addresses drop-offs and improves success rates, enhancing our understanding of the customer journey and satisfaction. We are excited to elevate the retail experience for our customers with this promising solution,” said Rajesh Uppalapati, Chief Technology Officer, Nykaa.

PhonePe PG Bolt’s ability to seamlessly integrate with PhonePe’s platform enhances the overall UPI payment ecosystem and contributes to the growth of digital payments in India.

University of Southampton awarded licence to establish India campus

National, August 2024: The UK’s University of Southampton, world top 100 university, has become the first UK university to be granted a licence by the Indian government to establish a comprehensive campus in the country.

The granting of a licence from the University Grants Commission (UGC) marks a significant step forward, allowing the University of Southampton to progress with its plans to offer world-leading education, research, knowledge exchange, and enterprise in India.

The University has been active in India for more than 50 years and has developed deep and mutually beneficial partnerships. The upcoming campus will enable the University of Southampton to build on these links by amplifying research collaboration and impact, extending teaching partnerships, creating two-way student and staff mobility, and ensuring local civic and community engagement. It aims to develop world-class, work-prepared graduates with specialist and transferable higher skills that will enhance India’s fast-growing knowledge economy. The campus will undertake research and knowledge exchange in partnership with local universities, industries, and government, applying the results to deliver real-world social and economic impact, and enable a more entrepreneurial and innovative country.

Speaking on the announcement, Mark E. Smith, President, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said: “In the 21st century, no university can be truly global without engaging with India. Our intention is to establish a campus that delivers social value and economic impact to India and the university by bringing together Southampton’s world class activities in education, research, and knowledge exchange and enterprise, with all the talent of the rising global superpower that is India.”

He further added, “Through this new campus, the University of Southampton will help deliver a critical element of the Government of India’s transformative agenda, playing our part in harnessing the potential, talent and capabilities of Indian youth.”

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement, said: “University of Southampton Delhi NCR will be the first comprehensive international campus in India. It will foster academic collaboration and bring an international dimension to the Indian higher education system, opening up opportunities to study for a top 100 degree in-country.

“We will develop world-class, work-ready graduates with specialist and transferable skills that will enhance India’s fast-growing knowledge economy. We will undertake research and knowledge exchange in partnership with local universities, industries and government and apply the results to deliver real-world social and economic impact.

“This is a hugely exciting initiative for India, and our university, and we thank the University Grants Commission of India, the Ministry of Education, the British High Commission, the Indian High Commission, and the British Council, for their confidence in our application” he added.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

 “The new University of Southampton campus will be a centre of world-class education and innovation. It will also give more British students the chance to have the incredible experience of living and studying in India.
“This exciting collaboration will foster educational excellence and further strengthen the unique living bridge that connects our two countries.”

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, added:

“The University of Southampton’s decision to establish a campus in India is a testament to the thriving education partnership between India and the UK.

“This landmark development marks our shared commitment to the internationalisation of education, research and innovation as set out in the National Education Policy 2020. It reinforces our belief that education is a powerful catalyst for building bridges and cross-cultural understanding between nations and shaping a brighter future for young people.”